By Dr. Mercola. You probably have at least one box of baking soda in your home right now. If you're like many Americans, you might have a box in your pantry for baking, one in your refrigerator to absorb odors and another under your kitchen sink to use for cleaning.

Baking soda was popularized by Arm & Hammer more than 150 years ago, and while many are aware of its versatile qualities for cooking and household use, few people realize that baking soda also has potent medicinal properties. Baking Soda May Help Fight Colds and the Flu

The most common medicinal use for baking soda is as an antacid to reduce indigestion and heartburn. When using the compound for this purpose, individuals should take it an hour or two after a meal and with a glass of water. It reduces the amount of acid in the stomach, and individuals typically experience relief shortly after taking it.

More extensive information about the amazing health benefits of baking soda can be found in Sodium Bicarbonate – Second Edition E-Book: Rich Man’s Poor Man’s Cancer Treatment by Mark Sircus, AC., OMD. Also check out this excellent article on using baking soda and potassium citrate by Walter Last.. Source: A Friend in Need, Medicinal Uses for Baking Soda.